By contributing writer, Jennifer Roberts. Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, Jennifer Roberts has channeled her architecture and design experience toward fostering a luxurious but affordable home life for her family, friends and readers. You can find her writing at JenSpends. It seemed that many of the people who really knew how to stretch a dollar and stick to a budget had attended Financial Peace University classes, or had read one of his books.

I used to wish that I could somehow pay off my car loan early to ease our burden. After reading Total Money MakeoverI realized that I could pay off my car and our student loans in one year if I changed my thinking. I am happy to say that as of Januarymy husband and I are debt free except for our mortgage!

I was very happy to have the opportunity to review the nine-week course and see how it could help. The Financial Peace University Membership Kit arrived neatly packed in a nice box, which I received as a free review copy, and I was impressed by the quality of the various materials it included:. The particular kit I received is really geared toward people who will be attending a Financial Peace University class in person.

Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover book review

A typical class would include viewing a video and taking notes in the workbook, small group discussion and maybe even some refreshments.

I was unable to find a class that worked with my schedule in time for this review, but I would definitely like to attend a class in the future— with the purchase of a membership kit you may attend a nine-class series at any time. The CDs included in the kit are audio versions of the videos shown during a live class. I listened to the Lesson 1 CD, took notes in the workbook, and then completed the assigned homework. One of my tasks was to read the first chapter from the Complete Guide to Moneywhich proved to be rather redundant after listening to the CD and completing the workbook, but it definitely helped to reinforce what I had learned.

I was able to make do without attending a live class, but the in-class discussion portion would have been nice to experience. The membership number included in the kit also allows for online registration where you can access copies of worksheets to print, bonus articles and class video available to view only if you have signed up for a live class. Although the baby steps should be completed in order, I was interested to find that the classes jump around a bit.

This approach really worked for me, because I like to think ahead and have some idea of how I am going to accomplish future goals. As someone who almost exclusively uses a rewards credit card paid off each month rather than cash, this is a concept that I have been reluctant to try. However, the nice envelope system included in the kit and the first lesson I completed both convinced me to try using cash-filled envelopes for some budget areas, such as groceries.

I hope that dealing with cash will help prevent silly impulse buys. The zero-based budget is another important underlying principle of the course. Dave Ramsey teaches that every single dollar should have a specific place to go. Although there are many computer programs, websites and apps for creating budgets, he really emphasizes the good old-fashioned pencil and paper approach.

A budget worksheet in the back of the workbook also available on the website to print provides space for just about every category imaginable, and also provides ballpark percentages so you can make sure your budget is on track. I used to treat any leftover drift city how to make money as a bonus that could be spent on anything; now that money is assigned a specific purpose.

Did you know that financial problems are one of the leading causes of divorce in the United States?

Financial Peace University is designed in part to strengthen relationships by involving both partners in every aspect of financial planning. Parents are even encouraged to bring teenagers along to the class. Although my husband and I have never argued about money, management of our finances has been very lopsided. Sometimes I wonder what he thinks about the non-essentials he sees me buy for myself with our shared money.

Interacting with fellow class attendees is another important aspect of Financial Peace University. The books also include success stories and quotes that help to motivate and inspire. Although there are Financial Peace University kits geared toward at-home study DVD or internet-basedI think being able to interact with others through a live class is a great opportunity.

Much of the word-of-mouth I had heard about Dave Ramsey emphasized the Christian aspect of his teachings. After reading Total Money MakeoverI found that my fears were unfounded; although Ramsey does quote from the Bible often, strongly encourages tithing, and speaks about how God wants us to be good stewards of our money, I did not find his book to be overtly religious or proselytizing.

I feel the same about the Financial Peace University course. The common-sense concepts that Ramsey teaches are sound, total money makeover ramsey review echoed by other leading financial experts, and do not depend on shared religious beliefs. He argues that wealth building is not morally reprehensible, but instead enables us to give and help others like we never have.

Since its inception inmore than one million families have successfully completed Financial Peace University. The system teaches clear steps and useful strategies to get out of debt and achieve financial goals at total money makeover ramsey review age or income level. Total Money Makeover helped change my perspective, but Financial Peace University provided make money growing hydroponically added detail and structure that I needed.

For a little bit more you may choose a home-study course with DVDs which also includes live class attendance if you likeor you can opt to save some money with a basic internet-only version. Use the class finder to locate an upcoming Financial Peace University class near you. Her mission is to help others relax and stock broker license india that they can do more than they thought possible with the resources they have.

She lives with her English immigrant husband, their fun, precocious son, and assorted pets in stock market technical analysis free course in hyderabad New York.

Charlene Buford April 4, I am a retired 68 year old, will these classes benefit me? I have seen some of the sessions available and the focus seems to be geared to individuals much younger.

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness: Dave Ramsey: umisifuy.web.fc2.com: Books

I should have attended these classes 50 years ago. Benjer McVeigh January 2,1: My wife and I were like you before FPU: FPU is great for many reasons, but the biggest reason it was helpful for our family is it helped my wife and I develop a plan together when we previously had zero plan. Ruth Knowlton June 23,9: I have a grandson who is getting married in Dec There will be a shower for both of them in August How do I go about signing them up for the starter kit etc, etc.

Which I would like to start their life the right way. I would appreciate your help. This to me would be ideal for him. I will wait to hear from you.

Jen Jen Spends July 25, I think your best best would be the DVD Home Study Kit. It comes with all of the classes on DVD so they can complete the course at their own pace, but it also includes membership so they can attend classes with other people if they want to.

You can buy it online here: Under the plan, it limits repayments to 10 percent of income and forgiveness after 20 years. Do not wait for longer, as the longer you wait, the worse your debt situation will become. Request the credit card companies to reduce your interest rate. The other situation has nothing to do with savings. Instead, you want to make sure you are ready for a hard process.

Kohen June 4, I know this post is old, but I was hoping you could help me anyway. Since the copy I have is used there are really no instructions, but everything else is there. So my question is, where do I start? Jen Jen Spends June 30, For me it was a little bit difficult completing the workbook while I listened, but I found that the other book pretty much repeated everything that was on the CD. So, it might be easier for you to listen to the CD, read the book, and then complete the workbook.

Hope that helps somewhat! Kirsten May 20,1: My husband and I are just starting the class, on week two. We have listened to his radio show for years and read his book but thought it was time to connect some of the dots that we were missing.

We are already seeing a difference in our bank account. We are taking the course at home and yes I would agree if we had the chance we would have really benefited from the interaction with other participants. So I have been searching the internet for bloggers who may be going through the course online as well. If there are any out there feel free to email me with your blog address. I thought about doing that myself because I had a lot of questions.

Nina February 2,3: He taps into the psychology behind personal finance e. Amy February 3,3: Jen Jen Spends February 3,9: Jenny January 31,1: Thanks so much for such a thorough overview. It seems like this guy has a system down that has been refined over time.

I love the concept of the seven baby steps and the form where you cross things off. Jen Jen Spends January 31,7: Robin from Frugal Family Times January 30,7: Thanks for your review, Jen.

But it sounds like you got value from the parts that worked for you. I might just reserve a book from the library to start. Jen Jen Spends January 30, I think the book is a great place to start. Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Idea: Pasta with Broccoli or Cauliflower Sauce. Secrets to Finding a Low-Cost Preschool or Summer Camp. January 30, Do You Need Some Financial Peace? Class in a Box The Financial Peace University Membership Kit arrived neatly packed in a nice box, which I received as a free review copy, and I was impressed by the quality of the various materials it included: A Team-Based Approach Did you know that financial problems are one of the leading causes of divorce in the United States?

Christian Touches, but Not Preachy Much of the word-of-mouth I had heard about Dave Ramsey emphasized the Christian aspect of his teachings. Become a Success Story Since its inception inmore than one million families have successfully completed Financial Peace University. Thanks for stopping by, Amy. Pasta with Broccoli or Cauliflower Sauce Previous post: Find Us on Facebook!

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